Returning an Icon to its Former Glory
Amazon / Seneca Group, Lord & Taylor Building Restoration
Workplace
As part of its efforts to expand in New York City, Amazon asked ZGF to advise on the design and lead several city approvals for the renovation and addition of its newest office in the historic Lord & Taylor Building at 424 5th Avenue.
The former flagship store recalls a bygone era of retail when department stores innovated, and dominated, the shopping experience of the American middle class. Throughout the building, the project team aimed to conserve architectural and decorative elements to keep reminders of the building’s origins amid a contemporary workplace design.
The interior fit-out, designed by WRNS Studio, and renovation & overbuild, designed by Hill West Architects, include an extensive infrastructure overhaul of the existing 11- and adjacent 7-story buildings that modernizes them and equips each floor with inventive gathering spaces and new amenities for employees. ZGF brought a fresh perspective to Hill West’s project design, reviewing design and construction documents.
Location
New York, New York
Square Feet
690,000
Completion date
2024
Project Component
Historic Restoration
Construction Administration
Document Review
Regulatory Approvals
The New York Landmarks Conservancy selected the building's thoughtful restoration as the winner of the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award.
Giving the Flagship a Refresh
Officially designated as a city landmark, the 1913 Italian Renaissance Revival-style structure needed particular attention for a respectful and successful restoration. In support of this effort, ZGF served as design architect for the exterior and retained Walter B. Melvin Architects as historic preservationists to repair the façade—rebuilding its balusters and restoring its classic masonry.
The design team also repaired the building’s deteriorated copper crown, restoring its visibility along Fifth Avenue. To replace eagles on the upper cornice, ZGF retained a specialty terracotta caster and worked diligently to match the pattern and color of the originals. On the lower levels, the team made a similar effort to restore the limestone base so that it more closely matches the terracotta above the second floor and returns a sense of cohesion to the façade.
Many New Yorkers remember the Lord & Taylor flagship store by its elaborate holiday decorations.
Taking it Over the Finish Line
ZGF supported the required regulatory approvals for historic preservation and façade work in New York City. Our team, experienced in efficiently navigating local projects to a final thumbs-up, also helped support the project’s accelerated schedule. As the project progressed, ZGF maintained a stable presence on the project team as a trusted advisor that brought together constituencies and consultants.
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